Partial Knee Replacement: Procedure and Treatment
If you’re experiencing knee pain from arthritis that’s not controlled by medication, injections or physical therapy, partial knee replacement is an option.
Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, may result in less surgery and a quicker recovery compared to traditional total knee replacement. It can be done through a minimally invasive approach, with or without the use of robotic assistance. Because partial knee replacement preserves healthy cartilage, bone and ligaments, the knee may feel more like your natural knee once you’ve recovered.
What is Partial Knee Replacement?
Partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure to resurface only the damaged portion of your knee joint. Partial knee replacement is for patients with arthritis limited to one part (compartment) of the knee, such as the inside (or medial compartment) of the knee. The surgeon preserves healthy cartilage, ligaments and bone by targeting only the specific area affected by arthritis.
Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement
- Less surgery: Resurfacing only the cartilage that has been lost means targeting only the arthritic portion of the knee, preserving healthy tissue and bone throughout the remainder of the joint.
- Bone preservation: Preserving more of the natural knee can result in a more natural-feeling knee after surgery.
- Quicker recovery: A minimally invasive approach and new pain management strategies mean a quicker recovery and same-day discharge after surgery.
Because only a portion of the knee is replaced, the remaining knee may develop cartilage wear (arthritis) over time. It’s possible this could require a total knee replacement surgery in the future. However, needing more surgery after partial knee replacement is uncommon overall.
If your surgeon finds damage or wear to your ligaments or cartilage in other areas of the joint at the time of your partial knee replacement, your surgeon may decide to perform a total knee replacement instead.
Partial Knee Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions
In a partial knee resurfacing, the surgeon resurfaces only the damaged portion of the knee, typically one of three compartments (medial, lateral or patellofemoral). This preserves healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments in the remainder of the knee. A total knee replacement involves resurfacing both the medial and lateral compartments, and sometimes the patella (all of the articular cartilage).
Partial knee replacement is only suitable for patients with damage limited to one part of the knee. If arthritis or injury affects multiple compartments, total knee replacement may be a better option.
Because partial knee replacement is less invasive than total knee replacement, patients often experience a faster recovery and more natural knee movement after surgery.
Yes, physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery after any knee replacement. Beginning on the day of surgery, therapy helps restore strength, flexibility and range of motion. Most patients begin with guided exercises from a physical therapist and then progress to a home program. Physical therapy may last for six weeks or even longer. A consistent rehab plan supports a faster recovery and helps you return to normal activities with improved function and less pain.
If arthritis develops in other parts of the knee after partial knee replacement, you may experience new or increasing pain, stiffness or instability. This may require more treatment.
In a minority of cases, patients who initially undergo a partial knee replacement may eventually require total knee replacement if the remaining cartilage becomes significantly worn. In the right patient, partial knee replacement provides long-lasting relief. Close follow-up with your orthopedic surgeon can help identify and manage any changes to the remaining cartilage and the knee replacement itself.
